Family garage given jump-start by TV fixer

A struggling family-run garage has under-gone some much-needed repair work – thanks to a visit from TV business guru Alex Polizzi. Dad Derek Lord started Guide Bridge MOT & Service Centre in Ashton more than 12 years ago – but the firm has been flagging during the economic downturn.

A struggling family-run garage has under-gone some much-needed repair work – thanks to a visit from TV business guru Alex Polizzi.

Dad Derek Lord started Guide Bridge MOT & Service Centre in Ashton more than 12 years ago – but the firm has been flagging during the economic downturn.

So the 62-year-old, who runs the business with wife Jan, sons Gareth and Adam, daughter Nicola and close friend Lindsey Smith, called in the services of expert hotelier Alex Polizzi to try to turn their fortunes around.

And, to their delight, her advice not only improved the balance sheet – but also repaired some strained family relationships.

Lindsey, 40, said: “When she came in, Alex said we needed to overhaul the place because it looked drab and dull. So we’ve completely refurbished the reception and put in a coffee machine and a TV on the wall.

“We went to do customer service training at the Manchester City stadium on a match day. And Adam was sent to the Lowry Hotel to work on corporate events.

“He’d never worked anywhere else other than the garage before so I think it was a bit of a shock to him.”

Ms Polizzi, who helped out as part of her new BBC show The Fixer, also gave the Lord family an idea to attract more customers – launching vehicle maintenance classes for women.

Lindsey added: “We want ladies to feel welcome when they come here.

“A lot of women feel uncomfortable going into a garage so now we’re promoting our Women at the Wheel sessions in a big way. Ladies can learn things like how to change a wheel or check fluids.”

The tactics appear to have paid off as the garage is busier than ever – with business up by 15 per cent.

But the most unexpected change was in the family’s working dynamic.

Lindsey added: “We’ve learnt a lot about each other. We had to be honest about how we felt about certain things.

“Before we didn’t have set roles and we all just mucked in together. Alex said we need to understand that we’re here to do a job.

“We’ve had to put the fact that we’re a family to one side and realise this is a business.”